Writer concerned over the use of public school funding

As a taxpayer who supports Wolf Creek Public Schools and a parent of four school-aged children, I feel it is important to stay informed of school board decisions. Through the public web site of WCPS, I was able to read the minutes of recent board of trustee meetings and have discovered some disturbing information. At a special meeting held on April 2nd, senior administration staff were awarded salary increases of between 5.68% and 5.83% and were also given a Self-Invested Pension Plan (SIPP).

There is also a possibility of them being given a Special Executive Retirement Pension (SERP) in the future.

At the Sept. 3rd meeting, support staff employed by the board (maintenance workers, custodial staff, bus drivers, etc.) were given a 1% raise, perhaps as a morale boost.

At this same meeting, it is recorded that the entire senior administrative team and their assistants were in San Diego from Oct. 1st-6th to attend a Google summit.

A quick Internet search reveals that the summit took place on Oct. 4th-5th and that flights from Alberta to San Diego are available daily.

Now it appears that, as a taxpayer, I am funding a six-day trip to sunny California for 10 people to attend a summit that is only two days long.

Also, at this same Sept. 3rd meeting, I read that a team from Wolf Creek will be going to China for an 11-day trip.

From the minutes, it seems the entire rest of the province is sending five people in total. Like the old song, Nice Work If You Can Get It.

At a time when school fees are increasing, extracurricular fundraisers are common and support staff are required to practice strict economies, I feel this sort of prodigal spending is unfair and unwarranted. Reminiscent of ex-premier of Alberta Alison Redford.